Short-toed Rock Thrush

Fairly common, near-endemic resident. In western regions male distinguished by whitish crown, but in its eastern distribution male lacks the pale crown, being of the race M. b. pretoriae (sometimes considered a separate species: Pretoria Rock-Thrush). Then difficult to distinguish from [Cape Rock-Thrush] except for greyer upper parts (sometimes with darker mottling), proportionally longer bill and whiter wing-feather edges. Female told from female of [Cape Rock-Thrush] by paler upper parts and throat. Distribution and habitat distinguish it from [Sentinel Rock-Thrush]. Sings a sweet song phrase incorporating imitations. Occurs singly or in pairs in arid regions, frequenting bush-covered rocky hills and rocky ridges. Often perches on roadside telephone wires in Namibia.